[bretzer1]

Hey guys,
I'd really appreciate some help here: I've done every type of search possible and have found tidbids of related info., but nothing that seems to truely address how I might cure my problem. I recently purchased an '03 SL55 and its got a well cared for history with 45K miles on it. There is an occassional rattle and/or creek that "seems" to be coming from the roof. I've tried to isolate it, but as soon as I think I have it, it moves elsewhere! Seems like pressure on the headliner in various areas does have an impact but the noise is almost certainly from the mechanism behind it which I'd describe best as a "creek". Anyway...research on this forum and others suggests this is a common problem and that rubber seal treatment (such as gummi phfledge or something similar) can have a huge impact. Also, some say its a common problem that is simply inherent in the vehicle and can't be cured (to which I say BS). Others say there are various points of contact and or adjustments that can be made...but no where can I find a step by step diagnostic addressing this issue. Can anyone help? I can't figure out where the adjustment points must be on this roof that might allow me to try and solve the problem. I've tried cleaning the points of contact and treating the rubber seals (which did have a postive impact), but did not resolve all. It seems to me there must be some simple way of adjusting the "tightness" with which the roof clamps secure themselves, no? Anyone have a step by step instruction or insight to help? Thanks much in advance!

 

[drags1998]

The only noise that seems to show up time and time again, is a baffle inside of the fuel tank breaks loose and causes this type of noise!!!! Other than that, I wish you luck!!!!

 

[bretzer1]

I've found enough comments and other's request for assistance to know that this is a common problem....I just need help in trouble shooting which I "think" is as simple as adjusting the taughtness of the mechanism lockdown. I just have no idea how to do it. The noise I hear is definitely not coming from the fuel tank or nearby area...it is a creeking noise in the roof. I'm hoping I happen upon someone else who's had the issue and resolved it. I read another post where someone swore to a similar noise, but found the solution in a door adjustment. I guess that "could" be my situation, but it isn't where evidence would direct me. Anyone reading...please chime in!

 

[sebastian402]

I think i know what roof noise you talking about. It happens in my car when I drive one of my front wheels on ramp or curve. Pulling into parking lots or something. The spot where roof meets the windshield cracks like they are rubbing against each other. Let me know if you find a solution.
I used some armorall and now the sound is not as noticeable.

 

[Lou K]

Hey guys,
I'd really appreciate some help here: I've done every type of search possible and have found tidbids of related info., but nothing that seems to truely address how I might cure my problem. I recently purchased an '03 SL55 and its got a well cared for history with 45K miles on it. There is an occassional rattle and/or creek that "seems" to be coming from the roof. I've tried to isolate it, but as soon as I think I have it, it moves elsewhere! Seems like pressure on the headliner in various areas does have an impact but the noise is almost certainly from the mechanism behind it which I'd describe best as a "creek". Anyway...research on this forum and others suggests this is a common problem and that rubber seal treatment (such as gummi phfledge or something similar) can have a huge impact. Also, some say its a common problem that is simply inherent in the vehicle and can't be cured (to which I say BS). Others say there are various points of contact and or adjustments that can be made...but no where can I find a step by step diagnostic addressing this issue. Can anyone help? I can't figure out where the adjustment points must be on this roof that might allow me to try and solve the problem. I've tried cleaning the points of contact and treating the rubber seals (which did have a postive impact), but did not resolve all. It seems to me there must be some simple way of adjusting the "tightness" with which the roof clamps secure themselves, no? Anyone have a step by step instruction or insight to help? Thanks much in advance!

"To which you say BS"--- There is no permanent cure. It is not BS your top will either be silent or be noisy ---It's that simple. I tried everything and could get it cured for a short time but it always comes back and as you said in different places

 

[smatman]

I have an '03 SL500 and I have noticed that the headliner as well as the trim that goes around the back windshield are connected to the vehicle with clips. The clips are attached to the interior trim with pieces of metal which are hot-glued to the plastic.

The hot-glue has given way on both the headliner at the rear and the windshield trim at the front. The headliner rattles very seldom but the rear windshield trim rattled a lot.

I temporarily fixed the rear windshield trim by putting double sided foam tape on the metal and affixing it to the plastic. I have noticed that the double sided tape didn't really hold however it did stop the rattle.

I am planning on next weekend taking both pieces of trim off the car and reattaching all of the clips with hot-glue. I'll take pictures when I do and post them here.

 

[GET TUBED]

This is a common problem and this link could advise you as to what to do .
Just trying to help with a lead .
Enjoy bonding with your SL ...

R230 SL500 Rattle - Mercedes-Benz Owners' Forums

 

[bretzer1]

Last post looks promising. I requested Malcom to forward me instruction. I don't believe this problem is not able to be resolved since so many others report having the same problem and having subsequently solved it. I believe the answer is elusive and may have more than one answer. Seems cleaning and treating the rubber seals on all contact points (including where the windows roll up and contact the roof) is one major contributor to solving the problem...but in my case it only addressed "some" of the creeks. With the recent recommendation it would seem that there is a way to adjust the windows to automatically stop 1 or 2 mm shy of where they currently do which would allow the window to still seal, but may reduce pressure at that contact point. Once I can figure this out I'll try this and think it has good potential since the creeking seems to be almost eliminated when I put all windows down. I'll try and keep you all up to date, but if anyone has anything pertinent to add....please do.

Thanks all!

 

[nirtol]

I , like you have the same problem i my new(old) sl55 2003. and also drives me nuts. So i went to my mechanic, and he says that it needs to be lubricated and aligned correctly. On my last sl55 7 years ago, i had a similar problem, but they actually replaced parts in the roof that fixed problem. I'll let you know when i go if it fixes problem. In the meantime please share if you find another solution

 

[rnholmes]

Roof Noise

I had the same problem - creaking and rattling The conclusion I came up with is that a dealer could solve the problem faster - they have the alignment jigs and experience. I was charged for 1 hour and the problem was solved and it has remained quiet for a couple of years . there are a lot of adjustments and moving parts - there is a specific procedure for re-aligning and lubricating the vario roof components. FYI There is a lubricant that mbenz sells designed for the roof seal. Good luck

 

[rnholmes]

Roof Noise

I had the same problem - creaking and rattling The conclusion I came up with is that a dealer could solve the problem faster - they have the alignment jigs and experience. I was charged for 1 hour and the problem was solved and it has remained quiet for a couple of years . there are a lot of adjustments and moving parts - there is a specific procedure for re-aligning and lubricating the vario roof components. FYI There is a lubricant that mbenz sells designed for the roof seal. The dealer is required to give you a quote and have you approve it - if it looks like they are bilking you or are incompetent decline the repair, they can only charge you for the minimum. Good luck

 

[bretzer1]

Glad to hear you were able to get it resolved and that it has stayed quiet for you. If I knew going in that I'd have the same results as you I wouldn't hesitate, but knowing my luck, I'd get billed for endless hours and the problem "might" get solved and would likely only last a short while. I've read other members having such experience which is why I figure it is worth my while to get educated and figure out how to handle on my own if possible. I've found another owner overseas who was kind enough to forward Mercedes bulletins on a number of adjustments and ways to address this issue. I'm going to pursue through trial and error up to my capabilities...then I'll throw in the towel if no success. Thanks guys....if anyone needs/wants the information someone else was kind enough to provide me, I'd be happy to forward to them as well.

 

[geoffd]

Don't give up

Don't throw in the towel - it is not difficult to stop these rattles - and you don't need a dealer to do it for you.

Firstly follow Malcolm's instructions to change the C pillar pivot bolts.

Second, carefully lubricate every joint, hinge and other moving part with a spray grease. Don't overdo it or you'll get drips where you don't want them.

Third, get down to your local Honda dealer and buy a tube of 'Shin-Etsu' silicone grease - despite rumour to the contrary it *is* still available, it's a Honda workshop maintenance product. It's better than the Mercedes equivalent and cheaper too. Use this to lubricate every rubber surface you can see with the roof down.

Fourth, operate the roof a few times and then enjoy the peace and quiet for a long time.

It really is that easy. Repeat the lubrication every six months or so.

Geoff

 

[nirtol]

Well - I had a problem with the roof creaking - turns out that i needed oil in the motor that operates and lubricates the roof. It is located in the trunk below the liner. You will need to unscrew one of the 2 screw and carefully refill that. After it was refilled, most of my creaking went away. I will do the rest of what you guys said to remove the rest of the noises.

 

[cokenfries]

Don't throw in the towel - it is not difficult to stop these rattles - and you don't need a dealer to do it for you.

Firstly follow Malcolm's instructions to change the C pillar pivot bolts.

Geoff

Can you guys please post Malcom's instruction here please as I am trying to resove the same issue here on my 2007 SL550

Thanks

 

[Leester]

I second cokenfries request for posting Malcolm's instruction.
Thank you in anticipation.
Cheers...

 

[mdvijay]

Hey guys,
I'd really appreciate some help here: I've done every type of search possible and have found tidbids of related info., but nothing that seems to truely address how I might cure my problem. I recently purchased an '03 SL55 and its got a well cared for history with 45K miles on it. There is an occassional rattle and/or creek that "seems" to be coming from the roof. I've tried to isolate it, but as soon as I think I have it, it moves elsewhere! Seems like pressure on the headliner in various areas does have an impact but the noise is almost certainly from the mechanism behind it which I'd describe best as a "creek". Anyway...research on this forum and others suggests this is a common problem and that rubber seal treatment (such as gummi phfledge or something similar) can have a huge impact. Also, some say its a common problem that is simply inherent in the vehicle and can't be cured (to which I say BS). Others say there are various points of contact and or adjustments that can be made...but no where can I find a step by step diagnostic addressing this issue. Can anyone help? I can't figure out where the adjustment points must be on this roof that might allow me to try and solve the problem. I've tried cleaning the points of contact and treating the rubber seals (which did have a postive impact), but did not resolve all. It seems to me there must be some simple way of adjusting the "tightness" with which the roof clamps secure themselves, no? Anyone have a step by step instruction or insight to help? Thanks much in advance!

I hear you ..I have the same problem ...the dealer in syracuse NY got it corrected now..no more crunch/or noise... it has been 2 years all's fine ...i drive my 03 sl55 every summer ....

 

[cedrenn]

I was hearing noises behind me with the roof up also. I heard them mostly when I accelerated or slowed down or turned a corner. My solution may be too simple, but my problem/noise turned out to be CD's moving around inside the storage compartment behind the driver's seat.

 

[Psyclone]

Vario Roof

RnHolmes, I'm curious where in SoCal you took your car? I have a bigger problem. Had an incident with my garage door. (I pulled in the garage, closed the garage door, then raised my top to close it) Anyway, my insurance was awesome! They fixed the cosmetic stuff and the shop also sent it to a local "Mercedes Expert" to make sure everything mechanical was okay. He replaced one of the cylinders, and re-aligned everything. Problem is, aside from the creaking we all experience over time, The "body lines" of the trunk are WAY off. I took it back and he said that he's adjusted it as much as he can. I went back to my insurance and they told me if I was unhappy I could take it anywhere for correction. I took it to the local dealer and they said the same thing. Arrgghhh!! I literally can fit my fingers, parallel to the bumper, in the gap between the bottom of the trunk and the bumper. And at the front of the trunk nearest the doors it's almost touching. So Please, if there's a dealer out there that has the alignment jigs and experience, I'm at the point I'd drive down there to have it fixed properly.

 

[Lee Wireless]

First buy the MB maintenance DVD. see pdf.